Gov. John Bel Edwards on Wednesday (April 19) officially declared Louisiana's coastal land loss an emergency, a move he hopes will expedite a host of restoration projects mired in federal permitting. "The Louisiana coast is in a state of crisis that demands immediate and urgent action to avert further damage to one of our most vital resources," he said.

Edwards also is asking Congress to change federal laws to exclude coastal restoration projects from environmental laws. In the alternative, he asked that Congress allow approvals under a special fast-tracked process.

The proclamation was requested by coastal authority Chairman Johnny Bradberry. "This clearly highlights the support and recognition that Gov. Edwards has about the criticality of the state of our coast, and further demonstrates that he is clearly is a coastal governor," Bradberry said.

The coastal authority says about 2,250 square miles of Louisiana will be lost over the next 50 years if urgent action isn't taken. Coastal marshes and swamps that serve as barriers against storm surges and flooding are fast eroding, putting businesses, homes and lives at risk, Edwards said.

"Immediately addressing this crisis will rejuvenate Louisiana's economy and provide benefits across generations and positively impact the nation's economy," he said.